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Nkosilathi Sibanda Sports Reporter
HOW MINE Secondary School will second four of its players to Premiership outfit How Mine FC in a bid to bolster the club’s junior policy.

The school is on the verge of being turned into How Mine’s academy where the club will groom its own players in a bid to move away from purchasing from other clubs.

Shepard Mafiko, Patson Phiri, Evans Dambo and goalkeeper Yonami Banda could launch their professional careers soon if they impress How Mine coach Luke Masomere.

How Mine Secondary are this year’s Copa Coca-Cola Matabeleland South provincial winners and the bulk of its players play in the Zifa Junior League.

How Mine Secondary coach Melusi Mavodza said the school’s sports department had agreed to work closely with the Premiership team’s technical staff in identifying talent.

Mavodza said they had already identified four boys that will undergo trials with the senior team.

“The school team is one of the How Mine FC feeders. There are former students of How Mine Secondary that have played for the club and we want to cement this by becoming the official academy,” said Mavodza.

“Amongst the players we have this year at the school, there are some who will be having trials at How Mine FC,” he said.

Mavodza is confident his boys will make the grade.

“They’re still young but nothing can stop a talented schoolboy from playing topflight football.

“Peter Ndlovu did it and that is what inspires my players. If they don’t impress now, I’m sure in the next three years How Mine Secondary School will produce for big clubs.”

How Mine Secondary’s attacking midfielder Mafiko was the toast of the Matabeleland South Copa Coca-Cola provincial finals.

In the semi-finals, he gave the Manama High School rearguard a torrid time and was voted as one of the best players in the province.

Mavodza said although he delights in his boys’ victory, he remains cautious of the challenges that lie ahead in the national finals.

“My boys played according to instructions and there is no greater feeling than to be crowned champions. We’re now going a gear up. Representing the province is no mean achievement and we have to prove that we deserved it,” said Mavodza.